On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Andrew Eccles, an award-winning photographer that has been shooting celebrities, models, athletes, politicians, musicians, and dancers for over three decades. Listen in as Andrew sheds light on some of the most powerful, career-defining projects of his life, along with his candid thoughts on the profound connection between the photographer and their subject and the loss of the “very magical process” of being a photographer.
Having somehow landed the position as Annie Leibovitz’s assistant in the 80s, Andrew takes us back in time to his odd international upbringing and his journey in discovering the intricacy of photography. Andrew and Kelvin reflect on what it means for photography to be “clean”, how to overcome complacency and burn out in your career, and the impactful differences between film and digital.
Plus, Andrew shares what he would do differently and what he would do the same if he started his artistic career over again!
About the Guest:
Andrew Eccles was born in England and grew up in Toronto, Canada. His family moved to Hawaii when he was twelve where he attended high school for two years before returning to Vancouver and graduating there. He spent three years at The Ontario College of Art followed by two years in Texas before eventually settling in New York City. It was there that he began to pursue photography seriously.
Within four months Andrew landed an apprenticeship with Annie Leibovitz lasting three years. That was followed by brief stints working alongside Robert Mapplethorpe and Steven Meisel.
In 1987, Andrew became a professional photographer himself and has been shooting celebrities, models, athletes, politicians, musicians, and dancers ever since.
Over the past 33 years his work has appeared on the covers of countless magazines worldwide. He has also created an abundance of Advertising images for the Film, Television, Broadway, and Music Industries for use domestically and abroad.
Connect with Andrew Eccles:
Visit his website: www.andreweccles.com/overview
Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/eccles
Connect with What Makes You Click:
Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick
People + Resources Mentioned:
Annie Leibovitz: www.artnet.com/artists/annie-leibovitz
Eiko Ishioka: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiko_Ishioka
Steven Meisel: www.artnet.com/artists/steven-meisel
Albert Watson: www.albertwatson.net
Scott Kelby: www.scottkelby.com
Robert Mapplethorpe: www.mapplethorpe.org
Frank Ockenfels: www.fwo3.com
Herb Ritts: www.herbritts.com
Stephen Wilkes: www.stephenwilkes.com
Richard Avedon: www.avedonfoundation.org